Listed below are all the various boxing weight classes and divisions – from the heaviest down to the lightest. The naming convention used are those provided by the WBC and WBA – for the IBF and WBO naming terms, please see the footnote at the bottom of the page.
The figures stated are the limits for each weight class, meaning to compete at Cruiserweight a boxer must weigh-in at under 200 lb.
| Category | American | British | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit |
| Cruiserweight | 200 lb | 14st 4 lb | 90.7 kg |
| Light Heavyweight | 175 lb | 12st 7 lb | 79.3 kg |
| Super Middleweight | 168 lb | 12st | 76.2 kg |
| Middleweight | 160 lb | 11st 6 lb | 72.5 kg |
| Super Welterweight | 154 lb | 11st | 69.8 kg |
| Welterweight | 147 lb | 10st 7 lb | 66.6 kg |
| Super Lightweight | 140 lb | 10st | 63.5 kg |
| Lightweight | 135 lb | 9st 9 lb | 61.2 kg |
| Super Featherweight | 130 lb | 9st 4 lb | 58.9 kg |
| Featherweight | 126 lb | 9st | 57.1 kg |
| Super Bantamweigth | 122 lb | 8st 10 lb | 55.3 kg |
| Bantamweight | 118 lb | 8st 6 lb | 53.5 kg |
| Super Flyweight | 115 lb | 8st 3 lb | 52.1 kg |
| Flyweight | 112 lb | 8st | 50.8 kg |
| Light Flyweight | 108 lb | 7st 10 lb | 48.9 kg |
| Minimum Weight | 105 lb | 7st 7 lb | 47.6 kg |
Alternative Naming Conventions
| WBC & WBA Name | IBF & WBO Name |
|---|---|
| Cruiserweight | Junior Heavyweight* |
| Super Welterweight | Junior Middleweight |
| Super Lightweight | Junior Welterweight |
| Super Featherweight | Junior Lightweight |
| Super Bantamweight | Junior Featherweight |
| Super Flyweight | Junior Bantamweight |
| Light Flyweight | Junior Flyweight |
| Minimum Weight | Mini Flyweight |
*WBO Only
Boxing Weight Divisions
FACT: Originally there were only eight weight classes / weight divisions in boxing: Heavyweight (No Limit); Light Heavyweight (12 st 11 lbs Limit); Middleweight (11 st 6 lbs Limit); Welterweight (10 st 7 lbs Limit); Lightweight (9 st 9 lbs Limit); Featherweight (9 st Limit); Bantamweight (8 st 6 lbs Limit); Flyweight (8 st Limit).
Boxing Weight Classes
FACT: Catch Weight contests are becoming more popular in the modern era. This is where a boxer from a lower division agrees to fight a boxer in the division above, but the weight limit of the higher division is lowered. This forces the heavier boxer to weigh-in lighter than normal and thus bridge the gap between the two divisions. Historically, Catch Weight contests did not qualify as title fights. However, in recent times there has been a growing trend among the governing bodies to sanction such bouts as genuine title fights.
Why do they have weight classes?
Boxing weight classes are used to ensure fairness and safety in the sport of boxing. Fighters are categorized into different weight divisions, and they compete against opponents who fall within the same weight range. This is done for several reasons:
- Fair Competition: Boxing weight classes help to create a level playing field by matching fighters of similar size and weight against each other. This helps to ensure that fights are competitive and that no fighter has an undue advantage due to their size or weight. Without weight classes, a smaller fighter would be at a significant disadvantage against a larger opponent, which could result in unfair outcomes.
- Safety: Boxing weight classes also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the fighters. When fighters of similar weight compete against each other, the risk of severe injuries, such as concussions or other trauma, is reduced. This is because fighters of similar size are less likely to deliver disproportionate force against each other, minimizing the risk of serious harm.
- Strategic Planning: Fighters typically train and prepare for fights based on their opponents’ weight class. Weight classes allow fighters and their teams to develop specific strategies and game plans tailored to opponents of similar size and weight. This adds an element of strategic planning and preparation to the sport, making it more strategic and tactical.
- Fan Interest: Weight classes in boxing also make the sport more interesting for fans. Fans can follow fighters within their favorite weight classes, and rivalries can develop among fighters in the same division. Weight classes provide structure and organization to the sport, making it more enjoyable for fans to follow and engage with.
Overall, boxing weight classes serve to promote fairness, safety, strategic planning, and fan interest in the sport of boxing. They ensure that fighters of similar size and weight compete against each other, making the sport more competitive, safe, and engaging for all stakeholders.
